Building construction



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Patented ept. 5, i933 BUILDING CONSTRUC'EION James W. Swank, Chicago, 111., asslgnor of onehall to Raymond M. Calkins, Dcerfield, Ill.

Application April 27, 1932. Serial No. 607,769

22- Claims.

invention relates to building construction and it has for its object the provision of a new and improved form and arrangement of parts whereby a plurality of panels of sheet metal or other suitable material may be easily and quickly joined together by a telescopic connection with each other for forming a wall or similar structure, and whereby the various portions of the several panels may be maintained in a mutually reeniorcing relationship so as to utilize fully the strength of the various portions.

To this end it is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved form of inter-engagng parts for such panels by which two panels may very readily connected together so as to resist eriectively any tendency for the panels to move transversely in any direction with respect to each other by either a straight line or a swinging movement, whereby the panels are prevented from 20 separating in any manner other than by longitudinal movement of one panel out of engagement with the other panel. it is one of the objects of my invention to provide an arrangement by which the panels may be connected by a sliding movement or one with respect to the other, and by reason of which no substantial change in the po t on of one panel is possible with respect to the inter -engaging panel either angularly or otherwise except by. a sliding movement. 7 is one oi the objects of my invention to proa "form of inter-engaging parts as to e formation of any narrow pockets at the sid oi the panels such as would'be likely to interfere with the operation of driving the panels when are to be used as sheet piling members, and to avoid the formation of any closed pockets of comparatively small cross sectional size such as would be difficult to fill with concrete and such as would necessitate pouring and tamping separately independently of the operation of pouring the principal mass of the concrete into face contact with the panel.

it is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved form of construction comprising sheet material adapted to form the body of a wall and structural parts formed integrally, with the body adapted to take the place of the frame worlr ordinarilyrequired for supporting a wall. It is one of my objects to provide a construction of this type in which the sheet metal comprising the structural parts is so located and arranged as to have a maximum strength and reenforcing efiect.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved arrangement oi. parts by which at building can be constructed from panels of this type, being used preferably for the side walls, the floors, the ceilings, the roof, and the trim, the panels being used either alone or in connection with a suitable filling and reenforcing material such as concrete or the like.

It is one of the objects of my invention to pro.- vide an improved arrangement to be employed in connection with the window fra'mesand the door frames of such a building and so constructed that the wall can very readily-be built up tight about the frames without any special parts for the pur pose of a particular job.

It is one or the objects of my invention to provide an improved arrangement of parts by which my improved panels may be employed advantageously as sheet piling for building cotter dams or other usual structures, and whereby the panels may be employed as the forms for a concrete pier or other structure so as to serve as a perma= nent reenforcement and facing for the'concrete without the necessity for pulling the pilings, the concrete being preferably packed about portions of the pilings so as ordinarily to prevent the separatlon of the pillngs from the concrete.

It is one of the objects of my invention to pro vide an improved fence structure employing my improved panels so formed and arranged as to have a very attractive appearance as well as great strength and rigidity. it is another object of my invention to provide means in connection witha construction of this type to prevent vibration of the parts with respect to each other when put under tension by a wind or other heavy force, serving thus to prevent rattling of ti e parts.

It is one of the objects of my invention to pro vide an improved construction for use in connec-= tion with forms for concreting the steel frame worlr of a building under construction. To this end it is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved construction by which the eifective length of a panel may be varied for en abling it to'fill different sized spaces and also to enable it more easily to be inserted in position, and to provide improved means for holding the form parts temporarily in position for expediting the application of the permanent clamping means.

It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an improved'form of panel adapted for use in connection with partitions and adapted for use under certain circumstances in connection with the outside walls of a house, comprising a piece of expanded metal having my improved flange connecting means along its side edges, constituting an improved combination metal lath and structural supporting parts.

It is another object of my invention to improv devices of this type in sundry details hereinafter pointed out. The preferred means by which I have accomplished my several objects are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings and are hereinafter specifically described. That which I believe to be new and desire to cover by Letters Patent is set forth in the claims.

In the drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view panels involving my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing a modified form of construction; I

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a part of a building construction comprising the foundation, the floor and the side walls; I

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through the upper portion of the wall shown in Fig. 3 and showing a portion of the ceiling and roof in position thereon;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken at ony one of the three lines 5-5 of Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 6 is. a horizontal sectional view taken a line 66 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view showing the upright side members of the preferred form of window frame to be used in the building of Figs. 3 and 4, showing the bottom cross member of the frame, partly broken away;

Fig. 8 is an outside face view of the upper end of the frame shown in Fig. 7 and showing the of a series of side wall panels in operative relation thereto, the

top cross piece being broken away at one point for better showing its construction;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 except that it shows the arrangement at the lower end of the frame rather than at the upper end; i

Fig. 10 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken on an enlarged scale at line 10-10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal cross sectional view through a series of my improved panels for use as sheet pilings;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a'pier formed of concrete poured within a form made up of my improved sheet pilings;

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 but showing a slightly different arrangement and showing a modified form of corner panel;

Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view through a slightly modified form of panel;

Fig. 15 is a horizontal sectional view showing the preferred arrangement of panels involving my invention for use as a form for concreting a column.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of one of the clips used for connecting the panels at one side of the column with the panels at the adjacent side.

Fig. 17 is a face view of a panel formation of the type employed for a structure such as that shown in Fig. 15. showing two panels arranged in longitudinal alignment connected telescopically by a thirdpanel, such three panels being telescopically connected along their side edges with three other similarly arranged panels;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view similar to a corner portion of the structure as shown in Fig. 15, showing a modified form of clip to accommodate a slightly changed arrangement of the parts.

Fig. 19 is a vertical cross sectional view showing the use of my improved panels as form mate? rial for concreting a horizontal beam of a buildi Fig. 20 is a face view of a fence formed of my improved panels;

Figs. 21, 22 and 23 are cross sectional views taken on an enlarged scale at line 21-21, line 22--22, and line 23-23, respectively, of Fig. 20;

Fig. 24 is a vertical sectional view through the bottom portion of my improved fence showing a slightly modified arrangement;

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 21 but showing 1 a modification;

Fig. 26 is a cross sectional view showing the use of my improved panel formation in connection with metal lath, the body portion of each panel being in the form of expanded sheet metal;

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary face view of the parts as shown in Fig. 26;.

Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig.26 but showing layers of plaster on opposite faces of the lath;

Fig. 29 is a cross sectional view of a fragmcntary portion of a wall having a partition connected thereto, the wall and the partition being formed of my improved panels;

Fig. 30 is a view similar to Fig. 29 but showing a modified construction in which the metal lath member is connected in a changed position; and

Fig. 31 is a view showing outside wall panels formed of expanded sheet metal, the portion at the left comprising the ordinary layer of filler material and a layer of stucco on the outer face.

As is clearly shown in Fig. 1, my improved panel arrangement comprises a bodyportion 30 formed of sheet material, and preferably sheet metal, a series of such body portions 30 being arranged in edge to edge relation in one common plane. At one side edge of each of the body portions 30, I have provided a seriesof flange sections 31, such flange sections in the form shown in Fig. 1 comprising four such sections 31 formed integrally with the body portions 30,- successive flange sections being provided by bending the sheet metal along longitudinal lines. Each of the flange sections 31 is in angular positionwith respect to each of the adjacent flange sections, in the arrangement shown in-Fig. l the flange adjacent to the body portion being at right angles to such body portion so as to provide a maximum reenforcement strength for the panel, and the next adjacent flange section is at right angles to said first flange section so as to be parallel with the body section 30. In each case, the terminal flange section is turned so as to extend toward the section located adjacent to the body portion, the. series of flange sections in each case providing in effect a box opening toward the body portion 30. Upon the opposite side edge of each of the body portions 30, I have provided a similarly arranged series of flange sections 32 of slightly greater width in each case than the sections of the series 31, the arrangement being such that the flange :eotions 31 of each panel are adapted to have snug telescopic engagement with the channel sections 32 of the adjacent panel. All the flange sections 31 and'32 are made rigid or non-yielding. In the installation, normal use and dismantlement of two cooperating panels of my invention, the flanges 31 are incapable of any appreciable relative movement, and the same is true of the flanges 32. The arrangement is such that the flange sections 31' by engagement with the angularly disposed fiangesections 32 hold each of the body portions 30 against movement with respect to the adjacent body portion 30 either angularly or otherwise except for a longitudinal movement of one with respect to the other.

I have found in practice that by the use of the arrangement as shown in Fig. 1, a very strong connection is provided between the body portions 30. When the panels are' formed of comparatively thin metal, the aggregate strength of the metal along the full length of any one of the lines of bending is so great as to provide very strong resistance with respect to any efiort to distort the metal for the purpose of forcing the panels apart independently of movement of one panel longitudinally of the other.

, In Fig. 2, which shows a modified form of construction, the initial flange portions 31 and 32 adjacent to the body portions 30 are bent to a difierent angular position with respect to the body portions. In the arrangement shown in this figure, the flange sections adjacent to said first sections are maintained parallel with the body portions as above described in connection with the construction of Fig. 1. In like manner, the terminal flange sections are directed toward the initial flange sections corresponding in general to the position of the terminal flange sections of the arrangement shown in Fig. l.

In the arrangement as shown in Figs. 3 to 10 inclusive, illustrating the application of my improved metal lumber to the formation of a buildingsuch as a cottage, for example, 33 indicates a foundation of any approved type being formed originally with a shallow channel 34 in its upper face. After the foundation is in place, the side wall panels 35 preferably of the type shown in Fig. 1 are placed in position in the channel 3d, the lower end portions of the webs of the panels being preferably turned-at right angles as shown in Fig. 3 to provide a horizontally disposed base portion 36 for each panel. After the side wall panels 35 are "in position, a form 3'? of any approved'type is placed in position, and door panels 38 preferably of the same type as those shown in Fig. l. are placed in position upon the form 37. Concrete is then poured from above the floor panels 38 against the form 37 for providing reenforc'ement for the lower portion of the side wall and for connecting the floor panels 38 with the side wall, such concrete in Fig. 3 being indicated by the numeral 39. .Masses of filling material 40 are then poured on top of the floor panels 38, such filling material being preferably of the type known in the trade as Insulen which is adapted to set and harden in cellular form of comparatively small weight. It will be understood that any other suitable filler may be employed.

After the filling material 40 has hardened sumciently, a form or of any approved type is placed in'positionadjacent to the panels 35 above the floor, and a filler of any approved type is pouredbetween the form and the panels 35, such filler 42 in the arrangement shown being preferably of the same type as that used in the floor but being ordinarily oflighter weight.

After the side wall is completed as shown in Fig; 4, a crown member 43 of any approved type is placed in position and secured on the upper edge of the'side wall. In the arrangement shown,

- the crown member 43 is formed of sheet metal and is provided along its outer edge with a series of flange sections corresponding to the flange sections 31 of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, such flange sections in Fig. 4 being indicated accordingly by the numeral 31 corresponding to the showing in Fig.1. A cornice member 44 of sheet metal is secured to the crown member 43 by means of a series of flange sections corresponding to the flange'sections 32 of Fig. 1, being therefore indicated by the same reference character in Fig-.4. At its outer edge, the cornice member -14 is provided with a series of flange sections 31 having telescopic engagement with flange portions 32 formed on the lower edge of a facing member 45. I

Upon the upper edge of the side walls, I have placed in position ceiling panels 46 of the type of panels shown in Fig. 1, and upon such panels I pour a suitable filler 47 preferably of the same type as is used in the side walls. As is clearly shown in Fig. 4, the end portions of the panels 46 extend into engagement with the facing member a5. Oh the top face of the ceiling comprising the panels 46 and the filler 47, I secure in position roof panels 43 also of the type shown in Fig. 1, such panels 48 being preferably secured rigidly to the upper edge portion of the facing member 45. A filler 49 preferably of the type of filler used upon the floor panels 38 is then provided uponthe panels 48, and such filler 49 is in turn covered with a suitable weather proofing layer if such procedure is deemed advisable.

As is shown in Fig. 5, the filling material at two sheet metal portions 51 at right angles to each other, one of such portions 51 being provided at its edge portion with a series of flange sections 31 and the other of said portions 51 being provided at its edge portion with a series of flange sections 32, such flange sections 31 and 32 of the corner panel being of a type adapted to cooperate effectively with the flange sections of the adjacent panels 35.

In the arrangement shown in Figs. 7, 3, 9 and 10, 52 and 53 indicate the upright members of a frame interposed in the side walls of a building, the members 52 and 53 as shown being the side members of a window frame. Each of the members 52 and 53 is made of sheet metal in box formation so as to provide receiving grooves for the window sashes 5d and 55. At their outer face portions, each of the members 52 and 53 is provided with a series of flange sections one of said series being arranged for use as the inside telescopic box and the other being arranged for use as the outside telescopic box, such series of flanges being indicated accordingly by the numerals 31 and 32 in accordance with the practice established in connection with the showing of Fig. 1. At their lower ends, the frame members 52 and 53 are cut out to fit a cross member 56 also formed of sheet metal bent into box form, the lower ends of the members 52 and 53 being preferably secured to said cross member 56 by a quickly to arrange tight joints at all points between the side wall panels 35 and the lower end portion of the window frame.

At their upper ends the vertical frame members 52 and 53 are fitted and secured by a welding operation to a top cross member 60 formed of sheet metal and bent into box form. The cross member 60 is provided with attaching members 61 of sheet metal preferably welded in position, such attaching members 61 being similar to the attaching members 5'7 above described.

By my arrangement, I am enabled to provide a building of great strength, having very effective insulation with respect to both heat and cold, such building being completed very quickly and at very moderate expense. The side walls may be provided with any suitable finish on either the inside or outside as may be desired, it beingan easy matter to make connections tothe wall at any point as may be required. By the use of the flanges at right angles to the body portions of the panels, with such flanges preferably held rigidly in position by filling material, the walls may be made just as strong as may be desired. By the use of my improved arrangement, a construction of a predetermined desired strength A can be produced more cheaply than by the use of methods heretofore in use, and my improved construction will be found to be superior in many respects. I Y

Referring now to the constructions shown in Figs. 1 1, 12, 13 and 14, 62 indicates panels of sheet metal of a type suitable for use as sheet pilings. For this purpose, I prefer to form my panels of considerably heavier sheet metal than that used for the construction of a cottage, for example, the sheet metal for the pilings being preferably 9/64ths of an inch thick. As is clearly shown in Fig. 11, the panels 62 are provided along their adjacent edges with flange sections 31 and 32 of the same type as are above described. In the form shown in said Fig. 11, the body portions of the panels are given a channel formation so as to strengthen the panels longitudinally, such body portions being indicated by the numerals 63.

The arrangement as shown in Fig. 11 is suitable for any purpose where' a sheet piling is ordinarily employed. I have found in practice that my improved panels when driven into telescopic engagement provide a water tight wall so as to enable the panels to be used to advan-v tage for a coffer dam for example without the necessity for any auxiliary packing of any kind at any point.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 12, I have provided two stretches of panels arranged in spaced relation to each other with a short stretch of panels connecting the ends so as to provide an enclosure to be filled with concrete, forexample. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 12, panels 62 are employed in oppositely disposed stretches connected at their ends by an additional panel 62 and two corner panels 64. Each of the corner panels 64 comprises two sheet metal portions 65 at right angles to each other connected together by a curved sheet metal por- At their outer edges the portions 65' tion 66. are provided with flange portions 31 and 32 adapted to have operative engagement with the flanges 31 and 32 of the adjacent panels, as will be readily understood. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 12 a body of concrete '67 is included within the enclosure, such body of concrete 67 extending in integral monolithic form rea er? into the boxes provided by the inter-engaging flanges 31 and 32. By this arrangement, the panels are connected very strongly with the body of concrete so as ordinarily to prevent the panels from being drawn out of position. In such secured position, the panels serve to reenforce the concrete verysubstantially.

In Fig. 13, two stretchesof panels 62 are shown in meeting relation at right anglesto each other, the panel 62 being arranged with the flange arrangements 31 and 32 extending outwardly rather than inwardly as shown in Fig. 12. A modified corner panel is accordingly employed comprising merely a set of flange portions 31 connected directly with a set of flange portions 32, such two sets of flange portions being formed integrally in right angled'relation to each other.

In Fig. 14, I have shown a slightly modified form-of panel 62a equipped with flange portions 31 and 32 at its side edges, but with the body portion 68 formed angularly rather. than in the form of a circular arc. It will be understood that the form shownin Fig. 14 provides substantially the same reenforcement as that 1% shown in Fig. 11.

Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, 69 indicates a column of any approved type, surrounded by an enclosure within which concrete is to be poured'about the column for flre proofing and reenforcing' it. In the arrangement shown, the enclosure comprises four stretches '70 of panels arranged in quadrilateral relation each stretch comprising in the arrangement shown a plurality. of my improved panels connected together by the use of series of flange sections 31 and 32. At each of the corners the flanges 31 and 32 of the panels are connected together by means of clips 71 as shown in Fig. 16, each of such clips comprising merely two sets of flange portions 31 and 32 arranged in right angled relation to each other, being similar to the corner panel as shown in Fig. 13, except that the clip '71 is of comparatively short length as compared with the length of the panels making up the enclosure. A plurality of clips '71 are used at each corner in spaced relation longitudinally of the panels forming the enclosure. In practice additional binding means is provided about the enclosure panels before the concreting ispoured 125 but the clips 71 serve effectively during the installation for holding the parts in operative position.

As is best shown in Fig. 1'7, the panels making up the sides of the enclosure about the column 69 13a are preferably formed in sections so as to be telescopically connected whereby one section may be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the adjacent section. As shown in Fig. 17, three panels '72, '73 and 74 are shown telescopically 135 connected with each other, with three other panels 75, '76 and '7'? telescopically connected with Ill) each other and at the same time telescopically comparatively small width and being made in a 159 plurality of widths so that by a selection of the desired number of the desired width of panels the required dimensions may be readily obtained.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 18, two panels '78 and; 79 are connected together to form'the corner arrangement of an enclosure with one of the panels slightly overlapping the other to provide for further regulation of the effective size of the enclosure. For this purpose, a clip 80 is employed similar to the clip 71 but with one of the flange portions of slightly smaller width.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 19, a horizontal beam 31 of any approved type is shown boxed for the purpose of concreting. The ordinary cross bar 32 is provided supported by metal strips 83 in any approved manner. The bottom wall of the form for the enclosure about the beam 81 is shown comprising aplurality of panels 34 connected together by means of inter-engaging flange sections 31 and 32. Each side wall portion of the enclosure is similarly formed of a plurality of panels 84. The panels forming the bottom wall of the enclosure are not connected in the arrangement shown with the panels forming the side Wall portions, except'that they are supported in abutting relation by the parts 82 and 83. By forming the panels 84 of narrow width and by providing a plurality of different widths of such panels, I am enabled to meet any ordinary requirements with respect to the dimensions of the enclosure.

Referring now to Figs. 20 to 25 inclusive which relate to a fence construction, 85 indicates a plurality of panels of sheet metal connected together by means of inter-engaging flange portions 31 and 32 as shown in Fig. 1. Within selected ones of the boxes formed by the flanges 31 and 32, I provided metal posts 86 which have a snug fit within the box, as is best shown in Fig. 21.,

In the arrangement shown, a post 86 is inserted in every sixth one of the flange boxes. At their lower ends, the panels 85 extend downwardly into upwardly open channels 8'1 which extendfrom one post 86 to the next being secured in position; by means of angular brackets 33 connected directly with the posts. Extending across the upper ends of the panels 85 along the fence there is a cap 89 of inverted channel formation secured in any suitable manner in position on the posts and the panels. As will be readily understood the channels 3? and 89 hold the panels very firmly in position so as to prevent longitudinal movement of one with respect to its adjacent panel;

As is clearly shown in Fig. 2l, th e'channel 87 is preferably provided with openings 90 therethrough for drainage purposes.

In Fig. 24 I have shown a bottom channel member 91 of slightly shallower form than that shown in Fig. 23. In the form shown in Fig. 24, the openings 90 are omitted and the channel is filled with cement or other plaster which upon hardening holds the parts effectively from vibration and rattling. In the arrangement shown the plaster is indicated by the numeral 92.

In Fig. 25, I have shown another modified form of arrangement in which a post 93 of channel form is used in lieu'of the angle form of post as shown in Fig. 21. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 25 a panel 94 is employed similar to the panels 85 as shown in Fig. 21 except that the flange forming the inside box arrangement differs from the flangev 31 as shown in Figs. 1 and 21 in that such flange starts from an onset portion 95 of the panel rather than from a point in alignment with the main; portion of the body of the panel. In the arrangement shown in said Fig. "25, the inside box flange portions are indicated by the numeral 96. By the provision of the offset portion 95, the panelling effect from the standpoint of appearance is the same at one face of the fence as at the opposite face.

Referring now-to Figs. 26 to 31 inclusive, 97 indicates the body portion of a panel having flange portions 31 and 32 at its opposite side edges, the body portion 97 being in the form of expanded metal of any approved type, the flange portions 31 and 32 being formed integrally with the sheet metal constituting the body of the panel. In the arrangement shown, the flange portions 31 and 32 are of normal strength and stiffness, the expanding operation being restricted to the body portions 97 so as to leave the flange portions 31 and 32 in normal condition. As is shown in Fig. 28, by the use of a series of panels such as are shown in Fig. 26, a partition 98 is provided, comprising layers of plaster 99 and 100 secured upon opposite faces of the metal'so as to be flush with the outer faces of the panel portions 32 or so as to completely cover such panel portions as shown in the construction illustrated. I prefer to form the flanges 31 and 32 of comparatively small size so as to keep the wall 93 to a possible minimum thickness Of 1 /2 or 2- By the use of my improved construction as illustrated, I am enabled very quickly -and readily to insert a partition in any desired position, the

flanges 31 and 32 of box formation providing the required structural support for the wall.

In Fig. 29 a panel 101 corresponding preferably to the panels 35 of Fig. 6 is shown, such panel 101 having a box 102 welded in position upon its inner face, such box 102 corresponding with the box flange formation 32 heretofore referred to. The box 102 in the arrangement shown has telescopic connection with apanel 103 corresponding to the panels 97 as shown in Fig. 26, such panel 103 having layers of plaster 104 on its opposite faces, abutting at their edges against the layer of filling material 105 of the outside wall.

In Fig. 30, an arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 29 is illustrated, except that the box 102 in Fig. 30 is welded to the flange portion 32 of one of the outside wall panels instead of to the inner face of the body 'portion.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 31, outside wall panels 106 are shown the body portions of which are formed of expanded sheet metal, such panels 106 corresponding otherwise to the panels 35 as shown in Fig. e. At the left in Fig. 31, a layer of plaster 107 is shown in position on the outer face of the metal, such plaster 104 being keyed to the body portions of the panels in a well understood manner. In this arrangement, the layers of filling material 108 are bonded to the plaster 10'7, the plaster being first placed in position. When using this form of panel for an outside wall formation a layer of water proofing material 109 of any approved type is preferably tion which can be provided very readily having as great strength as ordinary lumber and having many advantages over lumber, including the advantage that it is capable of being flxed in po form of parts as shown in my drawings and as.

above described, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited thereto except so tar as I sive sections of said first named series and adaptthe claims may be so limited by the prior I claim:

l. in a panel construction, the combination oitwo panels of sheet material each bent along longitudinal lines for providing a body portion and a series of rigid flange sections along one edge of the body portion with each section in angular position with respect to the adjacent sections, the body portions of said panels being disposed in a common plane, the series of flange sections on one of said panels having snug telescopicengagement within the flange sections on the other panel and said flange sections being so formed as to hold the body portions of said panels against any substantial movementwith respect to each other except longitudinally of each other.

2. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a panel, a series of rigid flange sections I formed integrally with said body portion along its edge with each flange section in angular position with respect to the adjacent sections providing in effect a box having angular corners and having a comparatively wide opening at the side toward said body portion, a second piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel disposed in the same plane as that occupied by the body portion of said first named panel, and a series of rigid flange sections formed integrally with said second named body portion along its edge extending into said box and adapt ed by telescopic engagement with the angularly disposed sides of the box to hold said second named body portion against either transverse or angular movement with respect to said first named body portion.

3. 'In a panel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a panel, a series of rigid flange sections formed integrally with said body portion along its edge providing in effect a box having angular corners and opening toward said body portion with the final flange section forming the side of the box adjacent to the opening located in substantially spaced relation to the body portion, a.

second piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel disposed in the same plane as that occupied by the body portion of said flrst named panel, and a series of rigid flange sections formed integrally with said second named bodyportion along its edge extending into said box and adapted by engagement with the angularly disposed sides of the box to hold said second named body portion against either transverse or angular movement with respect to said first named body portion.

. 4. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece'ol' sheet material forming the body portion of a panel, a series of rigid straight flat flange rea er? sections formed integrally with said body portion along its edge with each flange section in angu= lar position with respect to the adjacent flange sections providing in effect a straight sided box having angular corners and opening toward said body portion and with the flnal flange section-in spaced relation to the body portion and substan= tially parallel therewith, a second piece oi sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel disposed in the same plane as that occupied by the body portion of said flrst named panel, and a series of rigidstraight flat flange sections formed integrally with saidsecond named body portion along its edge and having the same angu== lar relation to each other as that of the succes- 7 ed by engagement with the angularly disposed sides of the box to hold said second named body portion against either transverse or angular 1 movement with respect to said flrst named body portion.

5. in a panel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet material forming the body por tion of a panel, a series of four rigid flange sec tions formed integrally with said body portion along its edge with each flange section in sub= stantially right angular position with respect to I the adjacent sections so as to provide in effect a box arrangement, a second piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel disposed in the same plane as that occupied by the body portion of said flrst named panel, and a second series of four rigid flange sections formed integrally with said second body portion along itsedge with the several successive flange sections in face to face engagement with the corresponding flange sections of said first named series.

6. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a panel, a series of four rigid flange seceffect a 'box arrangement and with the third flange section of the series terminating in sub stantially spaced relation to the body portion, a second piece of sheet material forming the body portion. of a second panel in edge to edge relation with respect to said flrst named panel, and a second series of four. rigid flange sections formed integrally with said second body portion along its edge with the final flange section of said second series in face to face engagement with the flnal flange section of said first named series inside of the box.

7. In alpanel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet material forming the body portion of apanel, a series of four rigid flange sections formed integrally with said body portion along its edge with each flange section in substantially right angular p sition with respect to the adjacent sections so s to provide in effect a box arrangement, a second piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel disposed in; the same plane as that occupied by the body portion of said first named panel, and a second series of four rigid flange sections formed integrally with said second, body portion along its edge with the several successive flange sections in face to face engagement with the corresponding flange sections of said flrst named series inside of the box and with the third flange section of each series terminating in substantially spaced relation to said second body portion.

8. In a panel construction, the combination of two panels of sheet material each bent along longitudinal lines for providing a body portion and a series of flange sections along one edge of the body portion with each section in angular position with respect to the adjacent sections, the series of flange sections on one of said panels having snug telescopic engagement within the flange sections on the other panel and said flange sections being so formed as to hold the body portions of said panels againstsubstantial movement with respect to. each other except longitudinally of each other, and a mass of filling material extending in integral monolithic form along corresponding faces of the panels and over said coengaging flange sections.

9. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece ofsheet material forming the body portion of a panel, a series of flange sections formed integrally with said body portion along its edge with each flange section in angular position with respect to the adjacent sections providing in effect a box having angular corners and having a comparatively wide opening at the side toward said body portion, a second piece of sheet material forming the body portion of a second panel in edge to edge relation with respect to said first named panel, a series of flange sections formed integrally with said second named body portion along its edge extending into said box and adapted by engagement with the angularly disposed sides of the box to hold said-second named body portion againsteither transverse or angular movement with respect to said first named body portion, and masses of filling material arranged along corresponding faces of said body portions throughout substantially the full width of said body portions with one of said masses of filling material ex tending in integral monolithic form into said box. I g

, lb. In a corner panel, the combination of a piece of sheet material bent to provide two side wall portions at right angles to each other, a series of rigid flange sections providing an outside box arrangement of angular formation along one side edge adapted to have a snug telescopic fit about a similar inside box arrangement of a slightly smaller sizeon a panel abutting at that edge, and a series of rigid flange sections providing an inside box arrangement of similar angular formation along the other side edge adapted to have a snug telescopic fit in a similar outside box arrangement on a panel abutting at said other edge, said flange sections serving to hold said panels against any substantial movement with respect to said wall portions except relative longitudinal movement.

ll. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece of heavy rigid sheet metal forming the body portion of a sheet pile, a series of rigid flange sections formed integrally with said body portion along its edge providing in efiect a box having each side in angular relation to the adjacent sides and spaced for a greater portion of its width from each of said adjacent sides by a distance more than double the thickness of the sheet arranged for permitting ready driving of the pile, a second piece or heavy rigid sheet metal forming the body portion of a second sheet pile adapted to be driven in edge to edge relation to said first named pile, and a series of rigid flange sections formed in tegrally with said second named body portion along its edge adapted to have telescopic engage ran ryment with'said box assaid second pile is driven alongside of said first named pile and adapted by engagement with the several angularly, disposed sides of the box to hold said second named body portion against any substantial movement with respect to said first named body portion except longitudinally thereof. 1

12. In a panel construction, the combination of a stretch of sheet piling members having their outer faces in substantial alignment with each other and held in position with respect to each other by inter engagi'ng flanges arranged in substantially box formation on the side edges of the members with the boxes disposed rearwardly, and a mass of concrete forming a solid wall in rear of the piling members and extending in integral monolithic form into said boxes serving to reenforce the connection of said piling members together and to hold said piling members in position {to provide a permanent metal facing for said wall.

13'. In a panel construction, the combination of two stretches'of sheet piling members driven in spaced relation to each other, with the successive piling members of each stretch held in position with respect to each other of the stretch by interengaging flanges arranged in substantially box formation on the side edges of the members with the boxes disposed inside the space between said stretches, and a mass of concrete filling the space between said stretches and extending in integral monolithic form into said boxes serving to reeniorce the connection of said piling members together and to hold said piling members in position to provide a permanent wall of concrete metal-faced on each side.

14. In a panel construction, the combination of two stretches of sheet piling members driven in spaced relation to each other and a third stretch oi sheet piling members connecting said first named stretches at one end, with the successive piling members held in position with respect to each other by inter-engaging flanges arranged in substantially box formation on the side edges of the members with theboxes disposed inside of the enclosure formed by said stretches, and a mass of concrete filling the enclosure and extending in integral monolithic form into said boxes serving to reenforce the connection of said piling merebers together andto hold said piling members in position to provide a permanent metal facing for the concrete.

15. In a panel construction, the combination of a piece of sheet metal bent along longitudinal lines for forming a body portion and a series of rigid flanges along one edge arranged in substantially box formation, a second piece of sheet material also hent along longitudinal lines for forming a body portion and a series of rigid flanges along one edge arranged in substantially box formation, said body portions being arranged at an angle to each other, and a corner panel member of sheet material bent along longitudinal lines providing rigid flanges arranged in box formation at opposite edges of the panel adapted by telescopic engagement with the boxes of said first named two panels to hold said first named panels against any substantial movement with respect to each other except longitudinally thereof.

. 16. In a panel construction, the combination or a plurality of panels of sheet material each bent along longitudinal lines providing flange portions arranged in box formation alongside portions of the panels, with the boxes of adjacent panels interengaged for connecting the panels together in series, and masses of filling material filling the spaces between the bones and extending in monolithic form into said bones serving to hold the flanges in snug reenlorcing engagement with each other.

17. In a panel construction, the combination or a plurality of panels of sheet material each bent along longitudinal lines providing flange portions arranged in box formation along side portions of the panels, with the boxes of adjacent panels inter-engaged tor connecting the panels together in series, and a mass oi. filling material in monolithic tori-n along the series oi panels 1 the spaces between the boxes and extending into the boxes serving to hold the boxes in Silllg reeniorcing engagement with each other.

it, in a panel construction, the combination oi a plurality of panels oi sheet matcrialeach bent along longitudinal lines providing flange portions arranged in box formation along side portions of the panels, with the bones oi adja cent panels inter-engaged for connecting the panels together in series, and a mass oi concrete filling the spaces between the boxes and extending into the boxes serving to connect the panels strongly with the concrete and to hold the nges in snug reenforcing engagement with each other.

19. In a panel construction, the combination of a series of pieces of sheet metal formed to serve as a plaster base each constituting the ho portion oi a panel, means for conunectinc. said body portions together in alignment with each other so as to be held against either tronsverse 'or angular movement with respect to each other and comprising a plurality of flange portions lormed integrally with each body portion along each side edge in substantially a box formation thereon, with the respective sides of the box on one panel held in face engagement with the corresponding sides oi the box on the other panel, and layers of plaster keyed to said respective body portions on corresponding faces thereof.

as. In a panel construction, the combination of a series of pieces of sheet metal formed to serve as a plaster base each constituting the body orelle portion or s panel, a plurality of flange portions of normal tensile strength and stillness termed integrally with each body portion along each side edge and standing in angular position with respect to the body portion serving to afford a telescopic connection between adjacent panels and to afford structural supporting means for the wall made up of said panels, and layers of plaster keyed to said respective body portions on corresponding faces thereof.

21. In a panel construction, the combination of a series or pieces of sheet metal formed with openings to serve as a plaster base each con stituting the body portion of a panel, a plurals ity of flange portions formed integrally with each body portion along each side edge in siibstan= tiaily a box formation thereon with the flange portions oi each panel having telescopic engage ment with the flange portions of the adjacent panels serving to hold said panels against either transverse or angular movement with respect to each other, a layer of plaster keyed to said panels on one face thereof, and a second layer of plas= ter on the opposite lace bonded through the openings in the body portions with the first named layer of plaster.

22. In a panel construction, the combination of a series oi pieces of expanded sheet metal each constituting the body portion of a panel, means for connecting said body portions together in alignment with each other so as to be held against either transverse or angular movement with respect to each other and comprising a, plurality of flange portions formed integrally with each body portion along each side edge in substantiaily box formation thereon, with the respective sides of the box on one panel held in face engagement with the corresponding sides of the box on the other panel, and layers of plaster on opposite faces oi said panels bonded to each other 1 through the openings in such expanded metal and filling said box structures serving to support said flanges mi? in their inter-engaging positions.

JAWS W. SW. 

